KLAES MOLENAER (Haarlem 1626/ 1629 – Haarlem 1676)
A Winter Landscape with Skaters on a Frozen River Outside a Village
signed K. Molenaer in the lower left
oil on panel
7 x 9 inches (18 x 23.5 cm)
A TIME FOR COLD WEATHER AND ICE SKATING?
It may seem strange to be looking at this snowy, cold scene as the dog days of summer are hitting us. But, as the world is moving on, and the virus is moving in and out of the spotlight, like a light being flicked on and off by an irritating child, looking ahead to winter almost seems fun!
Klaes Molenaer is renowned for his winter scenes. Ice skating on the canals, snowy landscapes, all the things you picture in winter. His scenes evoke a love for the elements and activities that engage them and Dutch winter culture is a large part of this. Ice skating on the frozen ponds and lakes and particularly the canals of the Netherlands is a rite of passage for most. As winter approaches and canals start to freeze, there is kinetic excitement in the air. The Dutch get their skates out, ready to pounce on a frozen canal at any moment. The tradition of ‘koek and soepie’ (cookies & glüewijn or hot chocolate served on the side of the canal for skaters to give warmth and energy) is discussed with longing and the weathermen become the stars of the news broadcast – finally given the opportunity to deliver some good news for once!
Given the climate’s changing behavior, these opportunities seem to come more erratically and thus, take on a mystique they obviously did not have in our painting. The everyday behavior of the figures in this winter landscape, do not evoke the party scene that skating on the canals is today, but there is still a clear element of joy that Molenaer has communicated to the viewer. Figures skating joyously over the river or wide canal, almost appear to be dancing. It is clear that even in the 17th century there was a joy and excitement around ice skating on the canal!
We hope this little blast of arctic air helps just a little bit to keep you cool in these hot summer days.
11 August 2021